Investigative Committee of Belarus charges 45 individuals abroad with coup plotting

MINSK, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) — The Investigative Committee of Belarus has launched criminal cases against 45 people abroad, accusing them of conspiracy to seize power and extremist activity, said the committee on Tuesday.
The committee said that 22 people are accused of conspiracy to seize power through non-constitutional means, and another 23 are on trial for the establishment of an extremist group or participation in it.
The investigation showed that the radical community announced a new initiative — Platform 2025 — implying the unification of extremists for joint actions during the electoral campaign in Belarus, said the committee.
Their goals are an “encroachment on the constitutional order, foreign interference in internal affairs, imposing a political course contrary to the national interests of our country, destructive information impact, discrediting or disrupting the election campaign, increasing tension and confrontation in society,” it said.
During the investigation, information about their real estate in Belarus was obtained, said the committee, adding that law enforcement is conducting investigative actions, including inspections, property seizures, and other procedural measures. ■